- NASA has released its final RFP for commercial LEO destinations
- Proposals are due Dec. 8 and awards are expected in spring 2027
- The agency plans multiple contracts for development, certification and services
NASA is seeking industry proposals for commercial space stations that can support human spaceflight activities in low Earth orbit, or LEO. The agency said Friday the final request for proposals supports efforts to maintain U.S. presence in LEO once the International Space Station is retired.
What Does the Commercial LEO Destination Contract Cover?
According to the solicitation notice posted on SAM.gov, NASA intends to select two or more contractors for early development of commercial LEO destinations. The agency will subsequently use a competitive task order process for final design, testing, evaluation and operation. The selected contractors will also be responsible for the necessary certifications and other services.
NASA Administrator and 2026 Wash100 Award winner Jared Isaacman said the agency is seeking credible development plans from companies willing to invest in commercial destinations that can serve NASA and attract other customers.
“We will continue to need a place to conduct research, develop technologies, train crews, and prepare for missions to the Moon and Mars. Commercial space stations may provide that capability while creating new opportunities for American industry and allowing NASA to concentrate more of our resources on the near-impossible missions ahead,” Isaacman said.
What Are the Contract Details?
The procurement will use firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts with multiple awards. Interested vendors can submit their proposals by Dec. 8, with contract awards anticipated on April 15, 2027.
The RFP sets a guaranteed minimum contract amount of $100 million and a not-to-exceed value of $34.06 billion. The contract will have an initial eight-year ordering period, with sequential four-year and three-year options to extend performance. If both options are exercised, the total ordering period could reach 15 years.
How Is NASA Preparing for the ISS Retirement?
NASA sought industry input before issuing the final solicitation. In March, the agency released two requests for information on LEO destinations and transportation. NASA subsequently released a draft RFP in July and held an industry day and individual meetings with interested companies to gather feedback on its acquisition approach. The agency had also issued a separate request for information through NASA’s Johnson Space Center in April 2025.
The agency has supported early commercial station development through Space Act Agreements with several companies, including Axiom Space, Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman, Sierra Space, SpaceX, Starlab Space and Vast Space. The agency is also refining requirements for future commercial destinations to support astronauts and other spaceflight participants safely in orbit.
